Regional Legal Counsel

Job description

ABOUT THE COMPANY We are dedicated to fostering upward social mobility in diverse communities by providing credit access to entrepreneurs who are often excluded from traditional banking. Through a combination of asset financing, fintech innovations, AI-based underwriting, and proprietary car portals, we empower local entrepreneurs, such as motorcycle taxi riders, Uber/Bolt drivers, and small business owners, to purchase their own vehicles and obtain loans to expand their businesses. ABOUT THE ROLE We are seeking a commercially minded Legal Counsel to join the Africa Hub legal team. This role is primarily focused on corporate and commercial law, supporting the Group's growing operations across multiple African jurisdictions. Eleving Group is an international fintech company operating across 17 markets on three continents, offering vehicle and consumer financing solutions that drive financial inclusion in underserved communities. Africa represents a key growth region, and this role offers genuine cross-border exposure and Group-level visibility. We welcome applications from international candidates and are open to supporting relocation. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious legal professional looking to take on a pan-African role with real impact and career growth potential. This role reports to the Regional Head of Legal & Compliance Relocation to Nairobi (Kenya) with travel across African markets is required. WHAT YOU WILL DO - Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts, including financing agreements, vendor contracts, and service agreements. - Oversee contract management systems and standardization to support consistent contracting across the region. - Provide practical legal advice to business units on commercial and operational matters. - Work cross-functionally with business teams to identify and address legal risks. - Support regulatory and compliance matters where needed. - Drive the development of internal legal policies and processes across the region. - Oversee corporate governance processes and transactions, including corporate records and board and shareholder matters. - Coordinate external counsel across the region where needed. - Support the Regional Head of Legal and Compliance with any other legal or compliance matters as assigned. WHAT YOU HAVE Education - A Master of Laws (LLM) degree from a recognised institution. - A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree as the underlying qualification. Experience - Minimum 5 years of post-admission legal experience. - Prior in-house legal experience within financial services, fintech, or other regulated sectors is an advantage. - Demonstrated experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts. - Multi-jurisdictional legal experience is a plus; exposure to African markets is welcome. - Some experience setting up or improving legal processes is an advantage. Competences - Good commercial drafting and contract negotiation skills, with attention to detail. - Ability to provide clear, practical legal advice in a business context, translating legal concepts into actionable guidance. - Basic understanding of corporate governance principles and company law. - Some exposure to regulated environments is a bonus. - Solutions-oriented, comfortable working with limited resources in a fast-paced environment. - Good written and verbal communication skills in English. - Organised and reliable, able to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines. - Collaborative and willing to work cross-functionally with non-legal teams. - Proficiency in Microsoft Office and standard legal research tools. - Leadership potential to guide and develop junior legal staff across different markets. WHAT WE OFFER - Monthly housing allowance and periodic flights back to your home country. - Relocation support (flights to Nairobi, visas). - Health insurance package for you and your family.